USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Biographical and genealogical history of the city of Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, V. 2 > Part 10
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In 1862 so strongly did his services im- press the Republicans of his state that he was unanimously nominated for governor, but in the absence of the loyal soldiers of the state in the field, and in the deep de- pression of that memorable year, he was defeated. This did not change his un- swerving loyalty nor affect in the slightest degree his constant and unwearied labors for the right. In 1864 he was a delegate at
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large to the Republican national conven- tion at Baltimore, which renominated Mr. Lincoln.
In 1865 he again received the Republican nomination for governor, and after an un- usually exciting contest he was elected by a large majority. His administration was in all respects one of the best which New Jersey has known. His executive ability was fully demonstrated, and his honesty and fidelity were unquestioned. Every de- partment of the public service, so far as his influence could reach it, was economic- ally and faithfully administered. The laws passed by the legislature were carefully scanned, and pardons for criminal offenses were granted only when mercy could be safely united with justice. His appoint- ments to office were widely approved, be- cause he regarded capability, honesty and worth as the basis for them. To his admin- istration New Jersey was deeply indebted for many important measures affecting the interests of the state. The present public- school act was passed upon his strong and urgent representations, and its advantages have been felt in the increased educational facilities of the state and the more thorough character of its schools. The riparian rights of the state were called by him to the attention of the legislature, and a com- mission secured, through which its large and valuable interests have been protected. His constant and persistent representations to the legislature, in his various messages, of the mismanagement of the state prison, under both political parties, contributed largely to the passage of an act removing it, as far as possible, from partisan govern- ment, and the result has been large sav- ings to the state.
In 1864 Governor Ward was placed upon
the Republican national committee, and in 1866 he was chosen chairman. In this ca- pacity he made the preliminary arrange- ments for the national convention of 1868, which nominated General Grant for presi- dent of the United States. He took a de- cided part in the campaign which followed, and his services and efforts were fully ac- knowledged.
During a few succeeding years Governor Ward lived in comparative retirement, but was frequently called to duties of a public character. He was the first president of the Newark Industrial Exposition, and by his efforts contributed largely to its suc- cess. The Soldiers' Home, of Newark, was originally established through his exer- tions, and as one of its managers and the treasurer he gave it constant and unwearied service. It seemed natural and proper that the man who, during the war, had protect- ed the interests and families of the loyal soldier, who had provided him with the care and attendance of a hospital when sick and wounded, should, when the war was over, still secure him, crippled and maimed, the comforts of a "Soldiers' Home."
During the presidential campaign of 1872, Governor Ward was nominated for congress by the Republicans of the sixth district of New Jersey, and was elected by over five thousand majority. Upon taking his seat in the house of representatives he was recognized as one of its most valuabie members. He was placed on the commit- tee of foreign relations, where his influence was felt, and always in the direction of the public interests. Governor Ward made no pretensions to the role of a speaker, but on a few occasions when he addressed the house he commanded its attention by clear- ly expressed views and the thorough hon-
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esty of his convictions. In 1874 Governor Ward was unanimously renominated for congress, but the condition of the country was unfavorable for success. Financial dis -- aster disturbed all the marts of trade, and the large manufacturing district he repre- sented was most severely affected. Thou- sands of laborers were unemployed, and the hope that a political change would re- turn prosperity influenced their action. The tidal wave which swept over the strongest Republican states submerged his district also, although, as usual, he stood the high- est on the Republican ticket. The confi- dence and attachment of the people were never shown more clearly than in the regret and disappointment which this defeat occa- sioned. After the expiration of his con- gressional term he was tendered by the president the important post of commis- sioner of Indian affairs, but it was declined, while fully appreciating the compliment thereby conveyed.
The next ten years of Governor Ward's life were spent in attention to his private af- fairs, and in two trips to Europe, which gave him great and unalloyed pleasure. In the beginning of the year 1884 he seemed in excellent health, but in March he deter- mined on a trip to Florida with a portion of his family. While there he was subject to malarial influences, which developed in his system during his return, and detained him sick in Washington for a few days. He was, however, brought back to New- ark, where he had the advantage of the best of care and the highest medical skill, but all in vain; he expired on the 25th of April, 1884. The knowledge of his death was received by the community in which he lived with universal sorrow. The minutes of the institutions with which he was con-
nected show their appreciation of him, and that of the managers of the Soldiers' Home was a most eloquent tribute to the man.
In 1840 he married Susan L. Morris, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Long- worth Morris. They had mourned the loss of children; but two sons remained, around whom centered their hopes and affections. His life was singularly free from difficulties and anxieties. Accumulating by care and prudence a large fortune, his life was full of deeds of considerate charity, which have been as numerous as they have been blessed. Many a struggling artist has received from him the generous order which did not degrade the spirit, while relieving the necessity. His charities have frequently been pursued for years, unknown to the world, the result of the native kind- ness of heart which characterized him. Few men ever brought to public duties a greater amount of conscientious principle. Every public act was governed by that law of justice and of right which would stand the test of the closest scrutiny. Popular in the highest and purest sense of that terni, he would not sacrifice his judgment or his convictions to the caprices of the multitude. His manners were unassuming and popu- lar, but he reached position because of the qualities which should command it. He preferred the true to the false, the substan- tial to the pretentious, and his life was one which may be studied by all who seek dis- tinction and success in public life.
HENRY J. SCHAEDEL
is a leading representative of the building interests of Newark, where as a contractor he has attained prominence among the business men of the city. In many respects
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his life is worthy of the highest commenda- tion, for he has been the architect of his own fortunes as well; and enterprise, en- ergy, strong determination and capable management are the essential factors in his deserved prosperity. Thirty years have passed since he became identified with the building interests of Newark, years in which he has erected many of her best buildings and in which he has gained and retained the respect of his fellow townsmen by reason of his honorable dealing.
Mr. Schaedel was born in Hessen, near Frankfurt-am-Main, June 27, 1845, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Hauser) Schaedel. His father held a responsible position in a steam printing establishment and was an enterprising business man. His wife still survives him and is living with her son, Henry J. Schaedel, being now eighty years of age. She has three children, one of whom, Charles Schaedel, holds the re- sponsible position of superintendent of the Boston Rubber Company at Fells, Massa- chusetts.
Henry J. Schaedel was educated in the fatherland, in a technical school, pursuing his literary studies in that institution, while in the daytime he worked in the shop, com- pleting a regular apprenticeship at the cab- inet-maker's trade. His apprenticeship cov- ered a period of four years,-from 1859 to 1863. Following the completion of his trade he remained in the land of his nativity for three years, during which time he had accumulated a small sum of money which was used in defraying the expenses of the voyage to America. Influenced by an uncle to come to America, where he believed bet- ter opportunities were afforded young men, he sailed from Frankfurt in September, 1866, and seventeen days later landed at
Castle Garden, New York city. Coming direct to Newark, he at once secured ein- ployment at the carpenter's trade and for three years worked as a journeyman, in which time he managed to acquire a fair knowledge of the English language and also a small amount of capital. He then be- gan business on his own account, as a con- tractor, and gradually won a success that placed him among the substantial citizens of the community. As his financial re- sources increased he made investments in real estate, and when the financial panic of 1873-75 came, so much of his capital was thus in use that in order to meet the de- mands of the day he had to dispose of much of his property at a great sacrifice. He then ceased contracting for a time, and with his tool-chest went to Philadelphia, where he secured employment on the buildings then in process of construction for the Cen- tennial Exposition, and for a year his time was thus passed.
He then returned to Newark and with the assistance of a kind friend, one of the well known business men of the city, he was enabled to buy a boarding-house and saloon, which he conducted through the succeeding six years, recovering in that time much of the amount that he had lost in the panic. In the meantime the building interests of Newark were again in a flour- ishing condition and he resumed operation as a contractor, which industry has received his attention continuously since. Many of the best structures of the city have been erected under his supervision, including the corset factory at the corner of High and Orange streets, the Turn Verein hall, the Saengerfest hall, Feigenspan's and the Es- sex County breweries and the Freie Zei- tung building, which he erected in 1873.
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Also he has taken the contracts on many of the fine residences of the city, and has received a most liberal patronage, his faith- ful performance of his part of a contract and his uniform courtesy and honesty and his reliability securing him a large and con- stantly increasing trade.
Mr. Schaedel entered upon the pleasures and duties of home life in Newark, Sep- tember 10, 1869, when was celebrated his marriage to Miss Ida, daughter of Joseph Stueble, of Baden, Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Schaedel have had the following children : Charles Henry, who married Lizzie Dry, and is a carpenter by vocation; Joseph, who is a paint merchant; John, a carpen- ter; August, who is an apprentice in the plumbing business; Edward, in the public school.
In his political associations Mr. Schaedel is a Republican and at the earnest solicita- tion of friends became a candidate for al- derman in the sixth ward at the spring elec- tion of 1897, but was defeated. He is treasurer of the Boss Carpenters' Associa- tion, is president of the board of directors of the Beacon Street German and English school, is president and one of the organ- izers of the Improved Building & Loan As- sociation and a director of the German Building & Loan Association. Thus through his connection with the various building enterprises he has aided largely in the upbuilding and improvement of the city and has enabled many men in moderate cir- cumstances to gain homes where other- wise they could not do it. He is a public- spirited and progressive citizen and earn- estly co-operates in all measures that tend to the public welfare. He is a popular member of the Turn Verein and of the Ma- sonic fraternity, and has the high regard of
all with whom he is brought in contact through business or social relations.
J. H. L. CADMUS.
In the seventeenth century the Cadmus family was founded in New Jersey and its representatives have since been prominent- ly and honorably connected with the de- velopment and progress of the state. Two brothers of the name emigrated from Hol- land at a very early period in the coloniza- tion of America and settled on the Jersey coast in Bergen county. The grand- father of our subject was Henry Cadmus, who was born in 1764 and was one of the colonists who resisted the oppression of the British government, bearing arms against that country until American independence was achieved. He was a deacon in the Dutch Reformed church, of Belleville, and was a leading and influential citizen of his day. His wife bore the maiden name of Letty McKeen, and was born in 1767.
Abram H. Cadmus, the father of our sub- ject, was the eldest son of Henry and Letty Cadmus, and after arriving at years of ma- turity he wedded Mary Brown, by whom he had thirteen children, ten of whom reached years of maturity. He was also a deacon in the Dutch Reformed church, of Belleville, and when his country again became engaged in war with Great Britain, like his father, he went to its defense, serv- ing in the American army in 1812-13. Three of his sons aided in the preservation of the Union during the civil war, James, the eld- est, and George, the youngest, being mem- bers of General Sickles' brigade, while Abraham enlisted in the Thirteenth New Jersey Infantry, all going to the front with- out receiving bounties. There were also
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several grandsons in the rebellion, among whom was Abram, the eldest son of James. He enlisted as a private at the beginning of hostilities, and served all through the war without being wounded, his meritorious conduct on the field of battle winning his promotion to the rank of captain. He was afterward killed by a stroke of lightning while working on a church in Nebraska.
J. Henry Lafayette Cadmus was born July 24, 1824, and is the seventh son of Abram and Mary Cadmus. At the time of his birth the Marquis de La Fayette, who was visiting in this country, came on the packet Cadmus to celebrate the birth of his namesake. Mr. Cadmus is a worthy repre- sentative of this old and honored family that has not only been prominently con- nected with the development and progress of Essex county in days of peace, but has also furnished its loyal members to the nation in times of war. On the last pub- lished list of voters in Bloomfield there were thirty-four of the name of Cadmus, all ad- herents of the Republican party.
CHARLES HENRY WEEKS,
of East Orange, was born in Hudson City, New Jersey, September 9, 1861 (and is a son of Frederick W. and Joeann (Brown) Weeks. The Weeks family is of English origin and for many generations its repre- sentatives were known as navigators. The father of our subject was born in New York city, where he acquired a good com- mon-school education and learned the trade of ship-calking, which he followed during the greater part of his business career, prin- cipally in the city of his birth. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Epis- copal church, and are people of the high-
est respectability. In their family are three children: Charles Henry; Addie Eveline, a graduate of the New York schools, now employed as a stenographer in that city; and William Herbert, also a graduate of the New York schools and assistant teller for the Holland Trust company, with which he has been connected for five years.
Charles H. Weeks acquired his early education in the common schools and re- mained at his parental home until he had attained the age of twenty, when he secured a position as pilot on the East river. For twelve years he was employed in that capacity, and on the expiration of that period, in 1893, he formed a connection with the Crocker & Wheeler Electrical Company, entering the enameling depart- ment, of which he is now serving as fore- man. Well qualified for the position, he is discharging his duties with marked fidelity and promptness, and his careful oversight of the department adds not a little to the success of the concern.
Mr. Weeks is a member in good standing of Council No. 162, Junior Order of Ameri- can Mechanics, at East Orange; of Coun- cil No. 33, Daughters of Liberty; also of Apex Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of East Orange, and the Uniform Rank of Knights of Pythias, of Newark. In his political views he is a Republican, and both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
In Brooklyn, New York, on the 3d of January, 1882, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Weeks and Miss Jennie E. Wilson, a daughter of Albert A. and Hettie (Peer) Wilson, both of English descent, her birth having occurred August 15, 1861. Their home has been blessed with the presence of two children : Florence May, born Janu-
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ary 14, 1884; and Hettie Peer, born March 16, 1887.
MELANCTHON W. JENKINS.
It would be difficult to find one who more fully exemplifies the American spirit of enterprise, progress and unfaltering per- sistence than this gentleman. The measure of man's success is not determined by the heights he happens to occupy, but by the distance between his present position and his starting point. Reckoned in this way, Mr. Jenkins has made a most creditable record, for he began business life in very limited circumstances and has steadily worked his way upward to the planes of affluence. He is now engaged in the man- ufacture of brushes in Cedar Grove, and is accounted one of the leading business men of the town.
A native of Montclair, he was born Sep- tember 28, 1854. His grandfather lived in Essex county for many years, but spent his last days in Geneseo county, New York. His parents were Smith and Caroline (Jacobs) Jenkins, natives of New York. During his early boyhood the father was bound out to a farmer in Short Hills, Essex county, and subsequently learned the shoe- maker's trade. For a short time he was in the charcoal business in Newark, and then removed to Montclair, erecting the first house on Park street. There he followed his trade of shoemaking, doing quite an extensive business. He married Catharine Wilty, and they became the parents of the following: Moses C., deceased; one who died in infancy; Harriet L., Oliver S. and Charles W. For his second wife the father married Caroline Jacobs, and their children were Kinie, Anna R., Melancthon W., Hat-
tie, John and William. Their father died April 6, 1886, and their mother in July, 1885.
Melancthon W. Jenkins was reared and educated in Montclair, and early in life be- gan earning his own living, following various pursuits. He afterward learned the painters' trade, which he pursued for some time, when he removed to Verona and became keeper of the toll-gate for a year. His next service was as a clerk in a grocery store owned by Jacob Braino, and in the same capacity he served Charles Ogletree. He went to Newark as a sales- man, but not finding that work congenial, he came to Cedar Grove, and on the 13th of August, 1877, entered the employ of Jona- than B. Ward, a brush manufacturer, for whom he acted as traveling salesman, traveling extensively throughout New Jer- sey, New York and Connecticut. He con- tinued with that house until the factory was burned down, when he resolved to en- gage in business on his own account. He had but sixty dollars, but with undaunted energy and courage he began manufactur- ing brushes, doing business under a tree. It was, of course, impossible for him to work in wet weather, so he soon built a little shed, and from that time on his busi- ness has prospered and increased in volume. He now has a well equipped establishment and employs about seven men. He manu- factures a general line of brushes, but makes a specialty of brushes for jute mills, hat factories and all kinds of machinery. His trade comes from adjoining states as well as New Jersey, and the business has assumed important proportions and brings to him a good income.
Mr. Jenkins has served his township as committeeman, also treasurer in Caldwell
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MELANCTHON W. JENKINS.
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township, and was one of the first elected to that office after the organization of Verona township. He is at present one of the members of the board of education. His public service has been marked by the strictest fidelity to duty, and has won him the unqualified confidence of his fellow citizens.
Fraternally Mr. Jenkins is a member of National Lodge, No. 102, I. O. O. F., and is also a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics. In 1880 he wedded Miss Mary E., daughter of Jonathan B. and Martha (Dean) Ward. In their family are six children : Mabel W., born May 26, 1881; Lillian M., June 8, 1883; Edna I., Septem- ber 1, 1885; Melancthon Warren, October 8, 1887; Edward S., January 18, 1889; and Martha C., June 19, 1897.
OLIVER S. JENKINS,
proprietor of the Roseville bakery, was born in Newark, June 27, 1835, and is a son of Smith and Catherine (Witty) Jen- kins. He was reared and educated in the city of his birth and in early life learned the trade of shoemaking with his father. He followed that pursuit until 1887, at which time he took charge of the bakery in Roseville and has since conducted a profit- able business there, enjoying a large patronage.
Mr. Jenkins in his early manhood was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Corby, who died, leaving one child, William E. For his second wife he chose Rachel Jacobus and by this union were born three children : Delia, Frank and James. The present wife of Mr. Jenkins bore the maiden name of Gertrude Burt, and was a
daughter of John and Alida Burt. Her father belonged to one of the old Jersey families of Morris county, who furnished its representatives to the Colonial Army in the war of the Revolution. Three chil- dren have been born by the last marriage : Oliver L., born April 24, 1880; A. Irving, born April 6, 1885; and Eva G., born May 13, 1887.
Prior to becoming the wife of Mr. Jen- kins, Gertrude Burt had also been previ- ously married. On the 26th of October, 1865, she became the wife of Charles Al- dred, of Somerville, and her son by that union is Frederick, who was born August 2, 1866, and is a traveling salesman living in Ohio. On the 17th of December, 1869, Mrs. Aldred was joined in wedlock to John William and they had two children: Rob- ert, who was born April 15, 1871, and is a clerk for the Mutual Life Insurance Com- pany; and John H., who was born Febru- ary 15, 1873, and has for ten years been a clerk in the Central Railroad office, his home being in Roseville. After the death of Mr. William, his widow, now Mrs. Jen- kins, took charge of the bakery which had just been opened, very successfully con- ducting it and building up an excellent trade. She is careful in management, of good executive ability and managed the enterprise, with success, until her last mar- riage. They now have a large number of customers and their patronage is steadily and constantly increasing. Mr. Jenkins is a Democrat in his political belief, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to devote his energies to his business inter- ests. As a citizen he is true to all the duties that devolve upon him, and Roseville numbers him among her worthy represen- tatives.
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MARCUS S. CRANE,
of Caldwell, who devotes his energies to agricultural and milling pursuits, claims the distinction of being a direct descend- ant of Jasper Crane, one of the heroic little band of Puritans who, in search of religious freedom, braved the dangers of a voyage over an unknown sea, in order to have the right to worship God according to the dic- tates of their conscience in the forest of America. Landing on the bleak coast of New England, Jasper Crane made for him- self a home, and his descendants scattered throughout the New England colonies. The branch that located in Connecticut sent its representatives to New Jersey, and the family was thus founded in Essex coun- ty. The line of descent is traced down from Jasper Crane through Azariah, Na- thaniel, Noah, Samuel, Cyrus and Asher B. to Marcus S. Crane, the subject of this review.
Samuel Crane, the great-grandfather, was born on the 29th of October, . 1747, and died February 28, 1811. In 1768 he was united in marriage to Mary Baldwin, daughter of John and Elizabeth Baldwin, who was born October 3, 1747, and died January 26, 1817. Their children were Caleb; Zenas; Dorcas, who married Tim- othy Crane; Cyrus; Betsy, who became the wife of Matthias Canfield; Polly, wife of Samuel Harrison; and Major Nathaniel Crane. The grandfather, Colonel Cyrus Crane, was born October 23, 1779, and died November 17, 1827. His wife was in her maidenhood Hannah Crane, and by their marriage they became the parents of seven children. The oldest daughter, Dor- cas, became the wife of Demas Harrison, and the oldest son, Asher Crane, was born
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